Fake Medicines Seized Across Province
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a Rapid Product Alert following a request from the Directorate of Drug Control, Punjab, after fake medicines were detected across the province. According to officials, 17 counterfeit medicines from 18 batches were found circulating in the market.
These fake medicines included treatments for stomach and throat infections, fungal infections, and women’s health issues. Batches of counterfeit drugs for vomiting, prostate conditions, and joint pain were also confiscated.
Risk to Public Health
DRAP highlighted that counterfeit tablets designed for the treatment of pain, swelling, allergies, neuropathy, and mental health were also recovered. Authorities warned that the sale of such medicines poses a serious threat to public health, as patients may unknowingly consume ineffective or harmful products.
The Directorate revealed that these counterfeit drugs were falsely labeled under the names of multinational pharmaceutical companies and carried fake addresses from Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad to mislead consumers.
Immediate Action by Authorities
The Punjab Drug Control Directorate confirmed that the impounded medicines are being investigated, and strict action will be taken against those responsible for manufacturing and distributing them. DRAP urged pharmacies, distributors, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products immediately.
Consumers have also been advised to verify medicines carefully, especially those used for chronic conditions, and to purchase only from registered pharmacies.
Crackdown on Counterfeit Drugs
The discovery of fake medicines underscores the challenges Pakistan faces in combating the spread of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Experts have long warned that the sale of unregistered or fake drugs undermines the healthcare system and endangers lives.
This latest crackdown reflects a growing effort by regulators to safeguard the public by increasing surveillance and strengthening enforcement mechanisms in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
